In the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine, there is a very pretty little girl called Lia, a determined three year old orangutan toddler with a strong personality and a quick, clever mind. Lia is cuddly, adorable and sweet; she can melt your heart in an instant.  Sometimes when walking through the forest out on release, somebody small and hairy will, all of a sudden, hug my leg and I know that when I look down, [...]

  Orangutan of the Month   OCCQ, Orangutan, by Sarah Leister.

When I first met Ari, I immediately noticed that he is an incredibly handsome orangutan! However, I quickly saw that there is much more to him than meets the eye. Since he already had the nickname “Handsome Ari,” I know I was not the first person to have been charmed by his looks but after getting to know him, I learned that it is his kind and gentle nature that truly sets him apart. Ari [...]

  Orangutan of the Month   OCCQ, Orangutan, by Kylie Grace.

Most of the new arrivals at Orangutan Foundation International’s (OFI) Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine (OCCQ) are young, orphaned orangutans. The caregivers at the OCCQ take these orangutans in and raise them like they are their own children. In the wild, the bond between mother and baby orangutan is incredibly strong. This bond must be emulated at the OCCQ because it is this bond that will provide the love and support needed during an orangutan’s first few years. During this time, it is also very important that the young orangutans socialize with each other. Many orangutans have friends that they play with, but it is rare that they are inseparable. Jessica and Weyerhauser are two such rarities.

  Orangutan of the Month   Care Center, Orangutan, by Kylie Grace.